Cistus × pulverulentus
A compact, bushy, but eventually spreading evergreen shrub, producing stems to 40cm (16in) high and 1m (39in) across, with crinkled, narrowly lanced-shaped, grey- green, aromatic foliage. Deep magenta-pink, five-petalled saucer-shaped flowers, with crinkled petals like tissue paper and with a central boss of orange stamens and a pale yellow stigma, are produced in large numbers in early to mid-summer. The plant requires full sun and very well-drained soil in which to grow successfully, particularly overwinter, when rainfall may be higher.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Cistus are evergreen shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and 5-petalled, bowl-shaped, white, pink or purplish flowers, each lasting a single day, over a long period in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in poor, but well drained soil, in a sheltered site and full sun. The foliage may become chlorotic with age when the shrubs are grown on chalky soil.
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer to early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9 if necessary; they do not respond well to hard pruning so old leggy plants are best replaced. Pinch back young plants after flowering to encourage a bushy habit
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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